LAW OFFICES OF KOU T. XIONG 1900 Point West Way, Suite 202 Sacramento, CA 95815 Website: www.ktx.law February 14, 2021 Via emails:
[email protected] RE: FEBRUARY 16, 20201 CITY COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA ITEM: J. REPORTING, J.1. 21-123, C.: “Naming the future park site located at Freemark Avenue and Heitz Way, General Vang Pao Park, with the future playground at the same site to be named Aletha June Playground as recommended by the Recreation and Parks Commission” Dear Honorable Mayor Serratto and Distinguished Merced City Councilmembers: I write to provide my strongest support for the Recreation and Parks Commission’s recommendation to name the future park site located at Freemark Avenue and Heitz Way, General Vang Pao Park, with the future playground at the same site to be named Aletha June Playground. Currently, I am attorney who resides in Sacramento, but I have and continue to hold Merced as my home. I grew up in Merced and graduated from Merced High School in 1989. A large population of Merced residents, both of Hmong and non-Hmong heritage, are my families, relatives, and friends. As such, in addition to representing clients at the Merced Superior Court, I frequented Merced often, at and during various cultural, social, and entertainment events. The contributions of General Vang Pao and the Hmong people to the wealth, richness, and pride to America, America’s history are well-known and undeniable. General Vang Pao and the Hmong fought against communism and fought for and defended American democracy and values during the Vietnam War.